Brain enhancing ingredients from Āyurvedic medicine: quintessential example of Bacopa monniera, a narrative review

Abstract

Āyurveda, the science (ved) of life (ayu), owing its origin to Veda, the oldest recorded wisdom of human civilization written in 3500 BCE, contains extensive knowledge of various diseases and their therapeutic approaches. It essentially relied on nature and the immune system of an individual, and therapeutic interventions were introduced only to augment the immune system. Āyurveda had eight specialties, including psycho-neuroscience (a combination of psychology, clinical psychology and psychiatry) and a unique promotive therapy encompassing nutrition, rejuvenation and geriatrics. The symptoms of various brain disorders, including memory disorder, were well defined. The goal of Āyurveda was to help an individual to achieve his cherished goal of leading a healthy life of 100 years. To achieve this, great emphasis was laid on nutrition, diet and a good conduct by the two great exponents of Āyurveda viz. Carak and Suśruta. By following these regimens, an individual could lead a less stressful life free from emotional disturbances. Both Carak and Suśruta had believed that these in combination with rasayana (rejuvenating) plants could enable an individual to lead a healthy life of 100 years.

Figure 1

An individual reacts to their surrounding environment in a wholesome manner when all the three vital links of the axis, viz. kāla (time rhythm), būddhi (intellect) and indriyātha (sensorial processing:output) are in harmony, leading to a wholesome mental health. Any disturbance in any one or more than one of the axis leads to a wholesome mental ill-health.

Figure 2

Āyurveda advocates the regular use of a wholesome diet, which will help an individual to achieve his cherished goal of leading a healthy life of 100 years.

Figure 3

Āyurvedic forms of mental disorder.

Figure 4

The various emotional conditions caused by mental disequilibrium in Āyurveda.

Figure 5

Psychopathological conditions induced by various psychological factors.

Figure 6

The various psychiatric conditions caused by a combination of physical and mental (psychophysical) disorders.

Figure 7

The three-dimensional effect of rasāyanā.

Figure 8

The rejuvenation channel of Rasāyanā effect.

Figure 9

An aspirant who lives such a life and practices sadāchār (good conduct) achieves the rasāyanā effect, immunity, longevity and intellectual power. He is free from emotional disturbances, is less stressful, has pronounced anabolic static and, thus, leads a happy and healthy life.

Figure 10

Effects of Withania somnifera on stress-induced plasma corticosteron (a) and phagocytic index (b).

Figure 11

Effects of Withania somnifera on swimming endurance time. Column 2 vs. Column 1—p < 0.05.

Figure 12

Overall effect of bacopa treatment [28].

Figure 13

Effect of BESEB CDRI-08 (50 mg × 2 daily) on children suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Figure 14

Effect of BESEB CDRI-08 (150 mg × 2 daily) on elderly subjects suffering from age associated memory impairment.